When evening comes and it is time to go to bed many parents face the exact same problem. A child suddenly refuses to stay alone in the room cries makes up reasons not to sleep or complains about monsters in the corner. Fear of the dark between the ages of 2 and 5 is an absolutely natural stage of development. It is during this period that a childs imagination and fantasy flourish so any ordinary shadow from a curtain or a chair in the dim light turns into something frightening.
To help your little one overcome this night stress parents need to act gently. Standard phrases like there is nothing there or you are already a big kid often do not work because to the child their fear is completely real. Here are a few proven and simple ways to bring peace back to the childrens bedroom and ensure your child gets a sound sleep.
Create the Right Atmosphere of Safety
Complete darkness can cause a feeling of isolation and helplessness in a child. However leaving a regular bright light on in the room is also a bad idea because it blocks the production of melatonin which is the main sleep hormone. The best solution is to use a soft dim nightlight or toys that create coziness. A sense of security also heavily depends on the childs tactile sensations. When a child can hug something soft and warm their nervous system immediately calms down. Many parents notice that a large plush teddy bear becomes a true night guardian for the child. By hugging a favorite toy in bed the toddler shifts attention from their fears to pleasant tactile feelings feels protected and falls asleep much faster.
Turn Bedtime Preparation into a Pleasant Routine
Repetitive evening actions give a child a sense of stability and control over the situation. Create your own routine that will be repeated every day at the same time. This can be a warm bath a light massage or reading a kind bedtime story. The main rule is a complete rejection of TV tablets and active moving games at least an hour before bed. Instead discuss with your child all the pleasant things that happened to them during the day and tuck them in to sleep together with a fluffy friend who will protect their dreams until the very morning.
Teach Your Child to Manage Their Imagination
Since fear is born out of a childs fantasy this very same fantasy can be used to fight the fears. Play a catch the shadow game during the day or come up with a funny continuation for a story about a night monster making him kind and clumsy. You can also draw the fear on paper and then burn it together or throw it in the trash. This helps the child understand that they are stronger than their night inventions.
Advice for Parents
Overcoming night fears takes time and patience. Never ridicule a childs fears and do not force them to stay in a dark room. Creating a cozy atmosphere calm conversations and a favorite soft toy in their arms will help the toddler feel completely safe and will grant the whole family a peaceful night.
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